Role of dentifrice in plaque removal: A clinical trial
<b>Background:</b> The precise role of dentifrice in plaque removal has been debatable. While a considerable volume of literature attributes several beneficial properties and glorifies the role of dentifrice, a small body of researchers questions its efficacy. Lingering doubts are emergi...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2010-01-01
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| Series: | Indian Journal of Dental Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.ijdr.in/article.asp?issn=0970-9290;year=2010;volume=21;issue=2;spage=213;epage=217;aulast=Jayakumar |
| Summary: | <b>Background:</b> The precise role of dentifrice in plaque removal has been debatable. While a considerable volume of literature attributes several beneficial properties and glorifies the role of dentifrice, a small body of researchers questions its efficacy. Lingering doubts are emerging about the plaque removal efficacy of toothpastes and probably a time has come to reassess its role in plaque removal. <b>Aim:</b> The present study is used to evaluate the plaque removal efficacy of dentifrice alone during the manual brushing of teeth. Materials and Methods: In a double blinded 2 Χ 2 crossover study design, 42 subjects had brushed randomly with or without dentifrice under supervision, with a standard dentifrice and toothbrush, after 48 hours of plaque accumulation, for two minutes. <b>Results:</b> Plaque reduction with dentifrice was 57.35% and without dentifrice was 66.19%. This 9% difference was statistically significant ( <i>P</i> ≤ 0.001). <b>Conclusion:</b> Dentifrice use does not enhance plaque removal when used in conjunction with a toothbrush, and instead, may marginally lessen the brushing effect. The role of a toothbrush appears to be more crucial in the maintenance of oral hygiene. |
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| ISSN: | 0970-9290 1998-3603 |